We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Personal Cloud Hard Drive 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G-US 8 Bay High-Speed Desktop NAS with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ CPU, 64GB DDR4 RAM, 10GbE & 2.5 GbE Networking and PCIe Gen 4 expandability (Diskless)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,387
Storage Capacity
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
88 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expandable storage options, including direct QNAP expansion bays and support for large-capacity drives, accommodate massive data repositories seamlessly.
Data Transfer Speed
Dual 10GbE and multiple 2.5GbE ports combined with PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slots create a lightning-fast, scalable storage and networking environment.
Connectivity
Hybrid cloud backup and remote access through secure DDNS integration enable flexible offsite data protection and convenient worldwide access.
Security Features
Integrated security features rival enterprise-level firewalls, including two-factor authentication, built-in antivirus, and granular access controls, providing peace of mind against ransomware and attacks.
Compatibility
The robust ZFS file system with self-healing capabilities and snapshot functionality ensures data integrity and rapid recovery, even during drive failures or rebuilds.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface is functional and mostly intuitive, allowing complex configurations without significant hurdles, though some technical familiarity enhances the experience.

The QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G-US is a powerful 8-bay personal cloud hard drive designed for users needing fast, reliable, and large-scale storage. Its 64GB of RAM combined with a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor with multiple cores and threads makes it excellent at handling demanding tasks like virtualization, large file transfers, and media streaming. The dual M.2 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slots boost speed by allowing caching or fast storage pools, which benefits users working with intense data loads.

Connectivity is a standout feature here: dual 10GbE and quad 2.5GbE ports provide multiple options for high-speed network access, plus USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports support fast external drive connections, making data transfer smooth and quick. Security-wise, it supports business-class backup options, including cloud and VM backups, plus ransomware protection through storage snapshots, which helps keep your data safe from loss or attacks. It also offers 4K media playback and real-time transcoding, with HDMI output for direct multimedia display, which is great for home media use or small offices. The device is diskless by default, so you can choose your own drives, offering flexibility for storage capacity needs.

The unit is quite heavy and physically large, which might be less ideal for casual home users looking for a compact solution. Its advanced features and price point cater more to professional or tech-savvy users who need high performance and scalability rather than beginners. The user interface is designed to be manageable but may require some learning for those unfamiliar with NAS systems. This QNAP NAS represents a strong choice for small businesses, tech enthusiasts, or creative professionals needing fast, secure, and expandable personal cloud storage with excellent network options, while it may exceed the requirements of simple home backup users.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,387
Storage Capacity
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
88 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expandable storage options, including direct QNAP expansion bays and support for large-capacity drives, accommodate massive data repositories seamlessly.
Data Transfer Speed
Dual 10GbE and multiple 2.5GbE ports combined with PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slots create a lightning-fast, scalable storage and networking environment.
Connectivity
Hybrid cloud backup and remote access through secure DDNS integration enable flexible offsite data protection and convenient worldwide access.
Security Features
Integrated security features rival enterprise-level firewalls, including two-factor authentication, built-in antivirus, and granular access controls, providing peace of mind against ransomware and attacks.
Compatibility
The robust ZFS file system with self-healing capabilities and snapshot functionality ensures data integrity and rapid recovery, even during drive failures or rebuilds.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface is functional and mostly intuitive, allowing complex configurations without significant hurdles, though some technical familiarity enhances the experience.
#2

LaCie 2big Dock RAID 28TB External RAID Hard Drive HDD with SD Card CF Card Slots, for Mac and PC Desktop Data Redundancy Thunderbolt 3 USB-C USB 3.0, 1 Month Adobe CC, Data Recovery (STGB28000400)

Rating
8.8
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity
Compatibility

Most important from
209 reviews

Data Transfer Speed
The dock delivers excellent speeds with Thunderbolt 3, making large file transfers noticeably faster compared to older connections.
Connectivity
Combining the hard drive with a docking station that includes DisplayPort, USB-C, and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports provides a versatile all-in-one solution without needing extra accessories.
Compatibility
Setup is straightforward, with clear instructions and RAID configuration tools, even supporting Linux users who appreciate its compatibility beyond just Windows and Mac.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The drive wakes smoothly from sleep mode, addressing issues found in earlier models where disconnections could occur.

The LaCie 2big Dock RAID 28TB is a solid choice if you need a large personal cloud storage solution with serious speed and flexibility. Its 28TB capacity offers plenty of room for huge files and backups, which is great for heavy users like photographers or video editors. The drive supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations, letting you prioritize either faster performance or data protection through redundancy. Speeds up to 440MB/s are quite good for transferring large files quickly.

Connectivity is a strong point here: dual Thunderbolt 3 ports allow daisy-chaining multiple devices, plus USB 3.0/3.1 ports, SD and CF card slots, and a display port add versatility for various workflows and direct card reading. This makes it convenient for users who want to plug in cameras or multiple computers without extra adapters. It works well with both Mac and PC, covering most users.

The drive uses hot-swappable IronWolf Pro drives known for reliability, and it includes a five-year warranty with data recovery services, offering peace of mind. The setup wizard for RAID configuration makes it easier for less technical users to optimize the system. The device is a bit bulky and heavier than typical portable drives, fitting best on a desktop rather than for on-the-go use. While it has user-friendly features, some beginners may find RAID setups slightly confusing at first. Also, a price premium is expected given the professional-grade hardware and included services.

For those seeking a robust, high-capacity personal cloud hard drive with multiple connectivity options and strong data protection features, the LaCie 2big Dock RAID is a compelling option—especially for users comfortable with desktop setups and who need fast, reliable access to large media files.

Rating
8.8
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity
Compatibility

Most important from
209 reviews

Data Transfer Speed
The dock delivers excellent speeds with Thunderbolt 3, making large file transfers noticeably faster compared to older connections.
Connectivity
Combining the hard drive with a docking station that includes DisplayPort, USB-C, and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports provides a versatile all-in-one solution without needing extra accessories.
Compatibility
Setup is straightforward, with clear instructions and RAID configuration tools, even supporting Linux users who appreciate its compatibility beyond just Windows and Mac.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The drive wakes smoothly from sleep mode, addressing issues found in earlier models where disconnections could occur.
#3

QNAP TS-464-8G-44WD-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with 12TB Storage Capacity, Preconfigured RAID 5 WD Red Plus HDD Bundle

Rating
8.8
Storage Capacity
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
406 reviews

Storage Capacity
Upgrading RAM and adding an NVMe cache is straightforward and affordable, providing a significant performance boost especially for metadata-heavy applications.
Data Transfer Speed
The NAS delivers impressive speed and stability, outperforming previous devices, making it ideal for running large Plex libraries and handling multiple users seamlessly.
Connectivity
Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and multiple USB 3.2 connections contribute to fast file sharing and external device support, enhancing overall network performance.
Security Features
The device offers excellent value with robust hardware and advanced features like RAID 5, SSD caching, and secure remote access, making it a reliable choice for home or small office use.
Compatibility
Data migration was remarkably smooth, with the device instantly recognizing existing drives and configurations, requiring no complicated adjustments during emergency upgrades.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup was incredibly fast and intuitive, with all necessary information easily found online, enabling a fully configured system within 24 hours of arrival.

The QNAP TS-464-8G is a strong choice for anyone seeking a personal cloud hard drive with plenty of space and good speed. It comes with 12TB of storage already set up across four WD Red Plus drives using RAID 5, which balances data protection and storage capacity well. Its quad-core Intel processor and 8GB of RAM help keep things running smoothly, even when handling multiple users or large files. You’ll find dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making file sharing and transfers faster than standard network drives, plus multiple USB 3.2 ports for quick connections to external devices. The device also supports SSD cache options to speed up common tasks.

In terms of security and access, it offers secure remote file access via MyQNAPCloud and is compatible with backup tools like Windows’ NetBak Replicator and Mac’s Time Machine, making it easy to keep your data safe and up to date. The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, helping even those less tech-savvy to organize and access photos, music, and videos easily.

While the system’s weight and size may be more than needed for casual users looking for something very compact, and full use of advanced features may require some learning, this device represents a robust and reliable home or small office cloud storage solution with good speed and security.

Rating
8.8
Storage Capacity
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
406 reviews

Storage Capacity
Upgrading RAM and adding an NVMe cache is straightforward and affordable, providing a significant performance boost especially for metadata-heavy applications.
Data Transfer Speed
The NAS delivers impressive speed and stability, outperforming previous devices, making it ideal for running large Plex libraries and handling multiple users seamlessly.
Connectivity
Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and multiple USB 3.2 connections contribute to fast file sharing and external device support, enhancing overall network performance.
Security Features
The device offers excellent value with robust hardware and advanced features like RAID 5, SSD caching, and secure remote access, making it a reliable choice for home or small office use.
Compatibility
Data migration was remarkably smooth, with the device instantly recognizing existing drives and configurations, requiring no complicated adjustments during emergency upgrades.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup was incredibly fast and intuitive, with all necessary information easily found online, enabling a fully configured system within 24 hours of arrival.

Buying Guide for the Best Personal Cloud Hard Drive

Choosing the right personal cloud hard drive can be a game-changer for managing your data. A personal cloud hard drive allows you to store, access, and share your files from anywhere with an internet connection, providing a convenient and secure way to manage your digital life. When selecting a personal cloud hard drive, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs. Here are the most important specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data that the hard drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much information, such as documents, photos, videos, and other files, you can store. Storage capacities typically range from 1TB (terabyte) to 10TB or more. If you have a large amount of data or plan to store high-resolution videos and photos, opt for a higher capacity. For general use, such as storing documents and a moderate amount of media, a lower capacity may suffice.
Data Transfer SpeedData transfer speed indicates how quickly data can be read from or written to the hard drive. This is important for efficiency, especially if you frequently transfer large files. Data transfer speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Drives with higher speeds (e.g., 100 MB/s or more) are better for heavy use, such as video editing or large backups. For everyday use, such as document storage and occasional media transfers, moderate speeds (e.g., 50-100 MB/s) are typically sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the hard drive connects to your devices and network. Common options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. USB connections are straightforward and fast for direct connections to a computer. Ethernet provides a stable and fast connection to your home network, ideal for consistent access. Wi-Fi offers the convenience of wireless access but may be slower than wired connections. Choose based on your setup and how you plan to access your data. For home use with multiple devices, Ethernet or Wi-Fi is often preferred.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your data from unauthorized access. Important security features include encryption, password protection, and two-factor authentication. Encryption ensures that your data is unreadable without the correct decryption key, while password protection and two-factor authentication add layers of security. If you store sensitive information, prioritize drives with robust security features. For less sensitive data, basic password protection may be adequate.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the hard drive works with your existing devices and operating systems. Most personal cloud hard drives are compatible with Windows, macOS, and sometimes Linux. Ensure the drive you choose supports your primary devices and any specific software you use. If you use multiple operating systems, look for cross-platform compatibility to avoid any issues.
Backup and Sync FeaturesBackup and sync features allow you to automatically save and synchronize your data across devices. This is important for data redundancy and convenience. Some drives offer scheduled backups, real-time syncing, and integration with cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. If you need to ensure your data is always up-to-date and backed up, look for drives with robust backup and sync capabilities. For basic use, simple manual backup options may be sufficient.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface (UI) and ease of use determine how simple it is to set up and manage your hard drive. A good UI should be intuitive, with clear instructions and easy navigation. This is important for ensuring you can quickly access and manage your data without technical difficulties. If you're not tech-savvy, look for drives with highly rated user interfaces and straightforward setup processes. For more advanced users, additional customization options might be beneficial.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now